• Villa's struggles at home aren't confined to Liverpool either; their win over Norwich City last weekend was only their 19th in the last 82 league games at Villa Park, dating back to December 2011.

• The Birmingham-based outfit actually represent Liverpool's favourite opposition in Premier League success terms with the Merseysiders winning more games versus Villa than anyone else in the modern era (25).

• Despite remaining bottom, Aston Villa's form has picked up of late and their tally of eight points compiled from the last five league fixtures (W2, D2) is the same number as they managed in their opening 20 league games.

• By contrast, Liverpool have won only one of their last six league games (D2, L3), conceding 14 goals and failing to score in half of the matches played during the period.

• The first goal could be crucial with the Reds yet to lose a league game in which they have led and Aston Villa, conversely, yet to win from a losing position.

• Should the hosts score first then it could well be from a set-piece with Liverpool having conceded a joint-league-high of eight goals from corners - two more than they let-in during the whole of 2014/15.

• Despite his poor form (goalless in 11 games) and mounting criticism, former Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke remains Liverpool's top scorer this term with 7 goals in all competitions. He scored 49 times in 101 appearances for Villa.

• Gabriel Agbonlahor, who looked to be on his way out of Villa Park previously, has now scored in 11 successive Premier League seasons for Aston Villa.

• The Villains will be hoping he finds the net consistently going forward with their total of 20 goals scored, including just six in the first-half of matches, representing the lowest returns in the division.